Albanese Pays Tribute to ACTU Leaders Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to outgoing Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) leaders Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil, thanking them for their leadership and their contribution to improving wages and workplace conditions for Australian workers.

In a statement, the Prime Minister said working families are in a stronger financial position today because of the “tireless advocacy and strong leadership” of Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil during their eight years leading Australia’s union movement. Their partnership marked the first all-female leadership team in the ACTU’s 99-year history.

Albanese said the pair leave their positions at a time of significant achievements for Australian workers, including wage increases in key sectors, a record-low gender pay gap, and renewed growth in union membership after decades of decline.

The Prime Minister also noted that the announcement follows their participation in the 50th Australian Labor Party National Conference, where delegates endorsed policies aimed at helping working families earn more and retain more of their income.

Reflecting on his personal relationship with the two union leaders, Albanese said he would miss their friendship and support, particularly during his time as Labor leader from 2019 and since becoming Prime Minister in 2022.

He wished both McManus and O’Neil every success in the future and said he looks forward to working with the ACTU’s new leadership team once it is appointed.

Source: Statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.